Synopses & Reviews
From the acclaimed author of New Deal or Raw Deal?, an “eye-opening” (National Review) exposÉ of FDR’s destructive wartime policies.Did World War II really end the Great Depression? This provocative new book by historians Burton W. Folsom, Jr. and Anita Folsom arugues "no," and makes a compelling case that FDR’s presidency led to evasive and self-serving wartime policies.
History books tell us the wartime economy was a boon, thanks to massive government spending. But skyrocketing national debt, food rations, nonexistent luxuries, and crippling taxes tell a different story. The war ushered in a new era of imperialism for the executive branch. Roosevelt seized private property, conducted illegal wiretaps, and interned 110,000 Japanese Americans. He set a dangerous precedent for entangling alliances in foreign affairs, including his courtship of Russian dictator Joseph Stalin, while millions of Americans showed the courage and fortitude to make the weapons and fight the war.
An illuminating and thought-provoking revisionist history, FDR Goes to War makes America take a second look at one of its most complicated presidents.
Review
"FDR Goes to War is a page-turning tour de force -- and a scholarly one, at that -- of the politics and economics of America's involvement in WWII. Be prepared to rethink much of what you think you know about FDR, the war, and the post-Depression U.S. economy." --Don Bordreaux, Chairman of the Department of Economics at George Mason University
Review
"In
New Deal or Raw Deal? Burt Folsom exposed FDR's failed policies during the Great Depression. Now, in
FDR Goes to War, he pulls the curtain back even further. Burt and Anita Folsom have produced a book that should be read by all Americans. This is the real history you do not find in textbooks." -- James P. Duffy, author of
Lindbergh Vs. Roosevelt
"Few in the history profession have done more to shed light on the real Franklin Delano Roosevelt than Burt Folsom. With FDR Goes to War, Folsom and his wife Anita educate Americans on the facts we should have known but were never taught. You will find this book both shocking and refreshing." -- Lawrence W. Reed, president, Foundation for Economic Education
"A compelling look at a fascinating man in a devastating war. This is the FDR concealed for over half a century by liberal academics and biased journalists. You will learn a lot from this engaging and readable book." -- Paul Kengor, professor of political science, Grove City College, and author of Dupes
Review
"FDR Goes to War . . . is the latest and perhaps the most devastating critique of FDR. It is painfully relevant to our current president." -- Thomas Sowell
Synopsis
From the acclaimed author of New Deal or Raw Deal?, an "eye-opening" (National Review) expose of FDR's destructive wartime policies.
WAS FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT REALLY A GREAT WARTIME LEADER, AS HISTORIANS ALMOST UNANIMOUSLY ASSERT?
The acclaimed author of New Deal or Raw Deal?, called "eye-opening" by the National Review, exposes the negative impact of FDR's destructive wartime legacy on America's economic and foreign policies today.
History books tell us the World War II economy was a boon, ending the Great Depression thanks to massive government spending. But the skyrocketing national debt, food rations, crippling taxes, and labor strikes of the time tell a story that is hardly the stuff of recovery. Instead, Roosevelt's poor judgment and confused management left Congress with a devastating fiscal mess after the final bomb was dropped and ushered in a new era of imperialism for the executive branch. In this provocative book, Burton W. Folsom and Anita Folsom make a stunning case that will force America to take a second look at one of its most complicated presidents.
Synopsis
WAS FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT REALLY A GREAT WARTIME LEADER, AS HISTORIANS ALMOST UNANIMOUSLY ASSERT? The acclaimed author of New Deal or Raw Deal?, called “eye-opening” by the National Review, exposes the negative impact of FDR’s destructive wartime legacy on America’s economic and foreign policies today.
History books tell us the World War II economy was a boon, ending the Great Depression thanks to massive government spending. But the skyrocketing national debt, food rations, crippling taxes, and labor strikes of the time tell a story that is hardly the stuff of recovery. Instead, Roosevelt’s poor judgment and confused management left Congress with a devastating fiscal mess after the final bomb was dropped and ushered in a new era of imperialism for the executive branch. In this provocative book, Burton W. Folsom and Anita Folsom make a stunning case that will force America to take a second look at one of its most complicated presidents.
About the Author
Burton W. Folsom, Jr., Ph.D., a professor of history at Hillsdale College in Michigan, is the author of several books. A regular columnist for The Freeman, he has also written for The Wall Street Journal, American Spectator, Policy Review, and Human Events. Anita Folsom has pursued a career in both politics and the teaching of history. Anita served as county chairman for the Reagan/Mitch McConnell campaigns in 1984, and she worked for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell for two years after he was elected. She currently blogs at BurtFolsom.com.